By Vivian Ahanmisi

Honoka Hashimoto defeated defending champion Sreeja Akula on Saturday to win gold in the women’s singles final of the WTT Contender Championships in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the tournament is ongoing at Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

The women’s singles final was a thrilling clash between Japan’s Hashimoto and India’s Sreeja Akula, who battled for the prestigious gold medal.

The 27-year-old, ranked 19th in the world, beat Akula 4-1 (11-7, 11-3, 11-4, 11-13, 13-11) to secure the title.

With this victory, Hashimoto confirmed her status as a formidable force in the world of table tennis.

The final was closely contested, with both athletes displaying outstanding skills, resilience, and strategic brilliance throughout the match.

Hashimoto, a right-handed player, used precise shots and smart tactics to gain the upper hand and seal the win.

Her victory not only earned her the gold medal but also strengthened her reputation as a world-class table tennis contender.

Despite the loss, Akula’s remarkable performance secured her the silver medal and reaffirmed her place among the sport’s elite.

In the men’s final, Denmark’s Anders Lind defeated Croatia’s Tomislav Pucar 4-1 (11-4, 13-11, 12-10, 13-11, 11-7) to take gold.

Lind, ranked 21st in the world, has gained attention for his consistent performances on the international table tennis circuit.

He has competed in several global tournaments, including the European and World Table Tennis Championships.

“When I return next year, I’ll be the defending champion. It’s pressure, of course, but I enjoy the pressure.

He added, “It gives me even more motivation to come back next year and try to win it back-to-back,” he said.

South Korea’s Kim Nayeong and Ryu Hanna claimed the women’s doubles title, beating Egypt’s Hana Goda and Dina Meshref 3-2 in a gripping five-set final.

India retained their men’s doubles crown with a new duo, as Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Akash Pal beat France’s De Nodrest and Rolland 3-0 (11-9, 11-4, 11-9).

Speaking to NAN, Wahid Oshodi, President of the Africa Table Tennis Federation, thanked WTT for selecting Lagos as host for a third consecutive year.

He praised the tournament’s growing reputation and the unique energy brought by Lagos’ passionate table tennis fans.

“This event has put Lagos firmly on the global table tennis map,” Oshodi noted.

He highlighted how the event provides Nigerian players with a platform to shine and inspires the next generation of talent.

Oshodi added that it offers vital ranking points, experience, and international exposure needed to grow players’ careers.

He expressed hope for continued backing from Lagos State Government and corporate partners to sustain the championship.

The tournament, featuring over 126 players, had a prize pool of $100,000, increased from $75,000 in the previous edition.

Oshodi believes the event will attract greater investment and support for table tennis development across Nigeria.

He noted this would improve infrastructure, boost training programmes, and provide better resources for athletes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Georgina Adegbie

President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Musa Nimrod, said on Thursday in Abuja that Nigeria has the capacity to host global tournaments.

Nimrod told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) has confirmed Nigeria as the host of the 2025 CAVB Under 18 Boys and Girls Beach Volleyball Championship.

The president said over 20 countries have shown interest in participating in the upcoming continental tournament.

Nimrod, who is also the President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, said preparations are already underway to ensure a smooth and successful tournament.

“All is set for Nigeria to host the 2025 CAVB Under 18 Beach Volleyball Championship in Abuja. We have set up machinery to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly,” he said.

“I believe Nigeria is capable of hosting a Pro Tour sanctioned by the FIVB in the future.

“Nigeria has previously hosted Olympic qualifiers twice and a senior championship, but this is the first time the country will host an under-18 continental tournament,” he said.

The president commended the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission, for its support.

“I want to applaud the Federal Government of Nigeria for creating an enabling environment for sports to thrive. This opportunity will give young players a platform to showcase their talents,” he said.

NAN reports that the 2025 CAVB Under 18 Boys and Girls Beach Volleyball Championship is scheduled to take place in Abuja from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Georgina Adegbie

Zainab Sani, a continental referee, says the large number of participating athletes, officials, and countries at the 2025 African Karate Championship, taking place at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, shows how developed Karate has become in Africa.

Sani, who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said that the championship started on Monday with courses and examinations for referees.

“All athletes from different countries have been having their training sessions since Monday in preparation for the competition.

“The athletes are determined to give their best in their games, the competition will end on Sunday with presentation of award and medals,” she said.

Sani, who is also a board member of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), said the federation has been working seriously to ensure a successful championship.

She congratulated the President of KFN, Silas Agara, on winning the fourth Vice President position of the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) during the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

“This will bring new development to sports in the country and on the continent.

“Our president is dedicated to improving the standard of karate in Nigeria; he has everything it takes to deliver,” she said

Sani, who is also a world karate judge, is part of the organisers of the championship, working to ensure everything is in order.

NAN reports that four categories will feature in the competition: Cadet (aged 14-15 years), Junior (aged 16-17 years), Senior category (aged 18 years and above).

Nigeria is fielding 60 athletes, many of whom are African champions and Commonwealth Games medalists.

A total of 31 countries are participating in the ongoing 2025 African Karate Championship, which started on Monday and is expected to end on Sunday at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Babatunde Ogunrinde

A contingent of 60 student-athletes has departed Nigeria for Annaba, Algeria, to compete in the inaugural African School Sports Championship.

Kola Daniel, Special Assistant, Media, Office of the Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC), made this known in a news release on Thursday.

According to him, the competition will take place from July 26 to Aug. 5.

He said that Nigeria would feature in 10 sports, including athletics, swimming, football, taekwondo and beach canoe.

Daniel said that Nigeria would also feature in Badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, cycling and table tennis.

He quoted the Director-General of NSC, Bukola Olopade, as describing the event as a milestone in Nigeria’s grassroots sports journey.

“This championship means a lot to us because it is about planting seeds.

“These student-athletes are ambassadors of our future.

“We are deliberate in creating pathways from the classroom to the global stage,” Daniel quoted Olopade as saying.

He said that the team was earlier camped at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, for training.

According to him, the competition organised by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa aims to instil Olympic values in African youths and provide a structured platform for talent identification, integration and development at the grassroots.

In line with guidelines, all participating athletes submitted valid school certificates, while the NSC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Olympic Committee, secured paternal authorisations for all underage athletes in coordination with their families, he said.

Daniel said that Nigeria’s participation in the tournament reflected Federal Government’s broader commitment to grassroots development. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Georgina Adegbie

Silas Agara, the President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), has been elected as the 4th Vice President of the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK).

Agara was elected on Wednesday night at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of UFAK, as part of the events of the ongoing 2025 African Karate Championship taking place at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Agara, who is also the Vice-President of Region 2 (West Africa), secured 20 votes to defeat his closest rival, Freddy Kombo, from Congo DRC, who secured 14 votes.

NAN also reports that Souleymane Gaye of Senegal emerged as the new President of UFAK after securing 23 votes to defeat Mohammed Mouktabil of Morocco who garnered 11 votes.

Bechir Cherif of Tunisia was elected unopposed as the 1st Vice-President, while Sonny Pillar of South Africa who also contested unopposed, emerged as the 3rd Vice-President.

Bertin Dongmo from Cameroon contested and was elected unopposed as the General Secretary, at the AGM witnessed by the World President of the Karate Federation, Antonio Espinos.

Thirty-one countries, alongside host Nigeria, are participating in the ongoing African Karate Championship which started on July 21.

The championship is expected to end on July 28. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne